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Employment Plus honoured with award

28 November 2014
Employment Plus honoured with award

Salvation Army Employment Plus employees Kristy Zumpe, Barry Doyle, Albert Hegarty, Sally Simpson and Managing Director Greg Moult at the Australian Training Awards.


The Salvation Army Employment Plus has won a major category at the Australian Training Awards held in Adelaide on 21 November.

The award, in the Industry Collaboration Section, was presented for the “Oothungs (Sisters) in Mining” program, which was launched by Employment Plus in 2013.

The pre-employment program, designed to maximise employment opportunities for Indigenous women in the mining sector as trainee haul-truck operators, is run in collaboration with leading mining contractor Theiss, mine owners Wesfarmers Curragh and Employment Plus.

Employment Plus Managing Director Greg Moult accepted the award on the night on behalf of all those involved in the program.

“We are all incredibly proud of the inroads the program has made,” he said. “Not only has it created a sustainable entry pathway for Indigenous women into the mining industry, it has pushed stereotypical boundaries and helped build a more diverse and inclusive culture at a grassroots level.”

The program was developed with the mining industry's needs in mind. There was also prior engagement with traditional owners of the land and a range of community organisations. Participants undertake technical competencies, with the program also providing non-vocational training in the form of life skills, including time management, negotiation and goal setting.

On completing the program, participants undertake a competency-based traineeship which contributes to a nationally recognised Certificate II in Surface Mine Extraction Operations.

It has been replicated in two Central Queensland coal mines – Wesfarmers Curragh coal mine near Blackwater and the Lake Vermont coal mine near Dysart.

Participant Alayas Wallace said being involved in the program has been life changing.

“The best part of my new journey was the day I hopped in the driver’s seat behind the wheel. Excitement plus! The bonus for me now is being part of two really great crews which makes going to work so good. I am so thankful for this opportunity,” she said.

The program also received the Queensland Premiers Award for Industry Collaboration in September this year.

 

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The Salvation Army acknowledges the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures; and to elders both past and present.

The Salvation Army is committed to ensuring the provision of safe and inclusive environments for children, young people and vulnerable people where they feel respected, safe, valued and encouraged to reach their full potential. The Salvation Army is a child safe organisation.